An Edinburgh chip shop owner has blamed the capital’s tramworks for a mice infestation that led to the immediate closure of his premises.

The discovery was made at Carlo Corolla’s Clifton Fish and Chicken Bar in the busy Haymarket area of the city following a routine inspection by food hygiene officials in February this year.

Appearing for sentencing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Corolla, 41, was fined £1200 for the breaches at the Clifton Terrace premises on February 3rd 2009.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court: Image Courtesy Deadline Scotland

Corolla of Main Street, West Calder, had previously admitted failing to ensure he kept his premises clean, and failing to ensure materials used for wrapping food were not contaminated.

The court heard a dead mouse had been found in the basement of the chip shop, along with a number of droppings. Tests of ice cream wafers by inspectors were also found to contain rodent urine.

Fiscal depute Sally Clark, told the court that food hygiene officials believed the chip shop posed an “imminent risk to customers health” and as a result, was closed immediately. She added that a boarded up window may have allowed the vermin to enter the building.

Defence agent Jim Grant said: “He has been an operator of a takeaway food business for about six years and three at the present premises, without incident.

“He wasn’t aware that he had any mice in the premises, had he known he would have dealt with matters immediately.

“He regrets the situation and would never knowingly put his customers at risk.”

Speaking last night, Mr Corolla said “The work has disturbed their [the mice] nests and everything. All of the shop owners here complain about the tram works. I have not noticed any loss of business yet, hopefully it will stay that way.”